Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús – Las Casas

Ecuador’s largest non-Catholic religious organization, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús, began its journey right here in 1958. It started as a missionary outreach from the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. Now, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús boasts over 1,000 congregations and a vast membership. The church’s influence extends beyond Ecuador’s borders, reaching eighteen countries with its message. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús’s mission is rooted in scripture. It’s guided by the principle of spreading the gospel to every corner of the world. Interestingly, the church’s history began with refugees fleeing conflict in Colombia in the 1950s. Some of these refugees were members of the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia. They carried the seeds of the gospel to Ecuador. In 1953, Crispiniano Arredondo, a craftsman from Cali, Colombia, arrived near Santo Domingo de los Colorados. He became the first messenger of this faith in Ecuador. He preached in his free time, and soon, others joined him. In 1957, another Colombian, Joaquín Jaramillo, began preaching the same doctrine in another part of Santo Domingo. These two men eventually joined forces. Their combined efforts led to the first official services of the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in 1958. Word reached missionary William Drost in Colombia. He traveled to Santo Domingo with Pastor Noel Ospina to perform the first baptism in the Suma River. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús continued to grow. By 1959, Drost returned to baptize thirty more believers. Pastor Averner Larsen, then Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, recognized the need for a dedicated missionary in Ecuador. Pastor Miguel Mariano Peña and his wife, Beatriz, were chosen for this mission. Arriving in Quito in October 1959, they began administering the burgeoning church. They later moved their residence to Guayaquil. The Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús flourished under their leadership. Eventually, Pastor Eliseo Duarte took over the missionary role from 1977-1981. His leadership focused on spiritual, doctrinal, and administrative growth. After his tenure, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús in Ecuador became autonomous. From its humble beginnings, the Iglesia Evangélica Apostólica del Nombre de Jesús has become a powerful force in Ecuadorian religious life.